Starting a Frame company

[DragonLensmanWV]

Here's one where they show how the Randolph Engineering metal frames (Skymaster type) are made.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c-Il-1c7fg&feature=related

Continued here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zrs-x...eature=related

[jmchapman]

I have been thinking the same thing. Are you thinking zyl only, metal only, or both?

I have a friend who does tool and die work and machining working on a few things for me. The metal working equipment is pricey. I am looking into some contract work on a punch press for some parts. I'd like to hear more of what you are thinking!

Totally forgot I started this thread, I only got one email saying someone replied and that was it. Anyways I'm thinking both zyl and metal. But I want really straight forward and classic. Something like http://www.saltoptics.com/

[cityconnection]

I wish...I truly wish that I could tell you what Eyegrass and I saw on Wednesday. Unfortunately, we had to sign a non-disclosure form, and agree not to discuss this with anyone except each other.

What I can say is that it will bring manufacturing not only back to the US, but back to your office! And the sweetest, sweetest, sweetest, thing about it? They will be rolling it out in INDEPENDENT offices only.

I saw it... my jaw dropped...Eyegrass looked over at me and said, "See...I told you this would blow you away!". And it did. I have not been this excited for the future of our industry, but more particularly, for the future of independents, in a long, long time. I am pumped like I've never been pumped before.

All I can say is this: If you're losing hope, if you think there's no way we can compete, if you think only the big guys will be left, hold on for just 11 more months. A change is coming and it will be HUGE! And remember, it will be USA based. Not a cheap import gimmick or anything like that, but totally US.

We'll do an introduction here when the kinks have been worked out, and we are at liberty to say more.

It's going to be huge...

This sounds interesting. Please keep us posted.

[odd]

...hold on for just 11 more months...A change is coming and it will be HUGE!

We'll do an introduction here when the kinks have been worked out, and we are at liberty to say more.

Any news?? :)

Just can't help being curious after reading your post!

cheers from the UK //O.

[jsphtay]

Whao, thats alot of work to produce a frame, not including setting up. If you dont have the market(qty) for your designed frame, it is quite impossible to find someone willing to help you to setup the production line. If not you will have to pay for a higher price compare to source from supplier. There might be another way of doing, is to work with them and allow them to use your design to sell it to others.

If you are really interested, I can try to help you here. I have some connection at China, but it will take time to find the right person to do the right job for you.

[John@OWDC]

This popped up in my email inbox yesterday morning.
These kinds of emails are usually from a plier maker in Pakistan but this one just happened to be from a frame source.

If you decide to move ahead please consider a line designed around high Rxs!
Give me a line with FRAME base curves of +8.00!
Maybe a line with a silicone lens groove built in?
Think about all those jobs you cut and think, oh crap not this again...

Message:
Dear Sir or Madam,

I am Davis.
We are one Hong Kong optical frames factory fully experienced in
producing and exporting Sunglasses and Optical Frames.
We learned your company name from friend.
Here we try to contact you for long term business.
Our frames ranges include Injection, Acetate, Metal, Combination.
General Unit Price
1. Hand-made acetate: USD6.50/pcs -10.5/pcs
2. Combination: USD2.60/pcs-6.5/pcs
3. Injection: USD0.60/pcs-3.5/pcs
4. Metal: USD4.50-8.50/pcs
And we are professional in high quality sunglasses.
For Acetate models, 300 PCS PER COLOR (can be assorted models)
For injection, metal and combination models, 600 PCS PER MODEL, 300
PCS PER COLOR
Payment Term:30% Deposit, Balance Amount To Be Before Shipment.
Please contact me for further details!
Look forward to hearing from you soon!

Best regards,
Davis Liu
Sales Dept.–HAIXIN Glasses Ltd.
TEL86) 0755 2860 6637
URL:http://www.glasses-supplier.com
Email:davis@glasses-suppier.com
MSN:higlasses@hotmail.com

[Barry Santini]

I like this thread......bring back more manufacturing, quality engineering and design....to North America! I am sick and tired of one size, same B dimensions, and one temple length.

Try Tom Davies. You wont regret it.

B

[beejay]

We'll do an introduction here when the kinks have been worked out, and we are at liberty to say more.

It's going to be huge...

Hope to hear more. Is it through as yet?

[DragonLensmanWV]

Hope to hear more. Is it through as yet?

Still being tested. That's why you haven't seen Johns around for a while.

[Patrick888]

Totally forgot I started this thread, I only got one email saying someone replied and that was it. Anyways I'm thinking both zyl and metal. But I want really straight forward and classic. Something like http://www.saltoptics.com/

Haha, the thread starter even has forgotten this post, while many of us are having such a HOTTER discussion on topics like this. Yes you may try to start manufacturing in USA, but do we know the economics of the production and manufacturing? What will be the cost? What price shall we sell to our customers? Are our products competitive comparing with the frames from China where the production is in fully-large scale? Shall we go back to the "STONE AGE" of the frames manufacturing? Does USA still have the supply chain for the frame materials and parts in COMPETITIVE manner?

Why not considering the innovation of "Sales Channels" to compete in the market?

[najeebay]

Its Very Good to hear that there are one that need to start a new company for optical frames ,
My advice to you :
Its very good but not easy ,
at first you have to go to china to make a produce line ,
to begin you must choose as min models you dont have to begin in 100 styles ,
you can start in 30-50 styles start as a moq 300PCS per models , ( you can take over producing 100PCS MOQ ) but i dont advice you to start overproducing .
you must go to meet the company and not via the internet , with meeting you can get a very good price ,
Its very hard at the beginning , you must make a lots of sales , and make good quality and good prices for that ,
And the Important thing is to CHOOSE YOUR BRAND NAME , that makes you sell your products fast ,,
And all of my wishes to you ,
If you need any help try to feel free to contact me here or my My email : 1inux11k3r@gmail.com
Najeeb ..

[JERRY HUANG]

In average, we are looking at $500,000 initial investment to develop a complete line. Eyewear manufacturers are going to ask us 300 pcs minimum order per model no matter who we visited. I would suggest ppl to import cases, demo lens, sunlens, zyl sheets and cut their own frame design here with any quantity they feel comfortable with.

[Jacqui]

I would suggest ppl to import cases, demo lens, sunlens, zyl sheets and cut their own frame design here with any quantity they feel comfortable with.

I've been saying this for sometime, but all the people here want to do is argue. Most of the people here think you need a $500,000 CNC milling machine, expensive computer/software setups, and make 6 gazillion frames a year to be profitable. I used a $10,000 computer controlled router and made 1 to 12 frames of each style and colour. I made good money on it in a good economy. Custom work, one-of-a-kind and short runs will make anyone with ambition some good money.

[genuine15]

I would love to do short runs. What kind of computer is needed? Software? And where can someone order zyl and parts.. where would I start looking for these things?

[Jacqui]

Google is your friend :) Just keep it simple in the beginning, no CAD/CAM software, no fancy equipment. Do everything you can by hand so you know what is really happening.